The ONE Surprising Effect Sex Has On Your Immune System

I could go on about the health benefits of sex and orgasms because, well, there are so damn many. It helps bond you and your partner, it's a workout, it lowers your blood pressure— it basically improves every single facet of your life. But one of the best benefits, especially as winter approaches, is the fact that sex can actually help keep you from getting sick. While everyone sniffles into their lattes, you can help keep yourself safe by combining your daily vitamin C with some quality bedroom time.

We all know about the post-sex glow. That sort of halo around a person that's a dead giveaway they just had sex (and if that doesn't give you away, the bed head usually does). But the little glow that makes you feel warm and fuzzy and keeps all those negative thoughts away actually protects you against other things as well.

Sex gives your immune system an important boost— and considering your immune system is the only thing between you and a pile of tissues and a raw, red, nose you should probably do everything you can to take care of it. And isn't sex the most fun option to do that?

The Science

So what does it actually do? Dr. Debby Herbenick explains to Women's Health Magazine that sex increases your levels of IgA, or immunoglobulin A. IgA has been shown to increase resistance to sicknesses like colds. In fact, according to a study by Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania of 112 students, having sex once or twice a week lead to 30 percent higher levels of IgA.

So sex is giving your immune system a definite boost. Combine that with the fact that it lowers your stress levels and generally makes you feel like a rock star, you'll be in the best position to smack down the next office cold.

Want more of Bustle's Sex and Relationships coverage? Check out our video on sex positions for small penises: